Vietnam pledges responsible engagement in ASEAN disaster management activities

The 43rd annual meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management opened in Ha Long city of Quang Ninh province, with the event featuring the participation of 10 ASEAN member states and Timor Leste serving as observers.

According to details given by the rotation order among ASEAN members, this year sees the country assume the position of chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM), chair the organization of the 11th Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) and ACDM annual meetings, as well as launching response activities.

This is both an important responsibility and an opportunity for the nation to proactively lead, enhance its position, and demonstrate its role in ASEAN co-operation on natural disaster management and in building the ASEAN Community and relations between ASEAN and partners.

Furthermore, assuming the role of chairmanship will help the country to take advantage of the experience and resources from partners and the international community for the country’s natural disaster prevention and control efforts. This can be done whilst actively contributing to building an ASEAN community that is resilient to natural disasters, contributing to the common development of the country and the region.

In his opening speech, Deputy Minister Hiep said that this conference will continue to give opinions and approve a number of major contents on implementing decisions of relevant senior leaders; updating the outcomes of the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) 2021 to 2025 programme in recent times.

The conference will also submit to the Ministerial Conference for adoption the Ha Long Declaration on strengthening early action in disaster management in the ASEAN region whilst discussing financial regulations of the ASEAN Disaster Management and Emergency Relief Fund. This is along with provisions on duties and powers of the Secretary General of ASEAN in his role as ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator.

Furthermore, issues relating to co-operation and agreements with Chinese, Japanese, and Korean partners, along with updates on the results of implementation of disaster management activities in the ASEAN region were also tabled for discussion.

Deputy Minister Hiep emphasized that with the rotating chairmanship, the support of ASEAN member states, the help of the ASEAN Secretariat and other relevant agencies, Vietnam and Brunei have fulfilled the task of co-ordinating the bloc’s natural disaster management activities this year, featuring many practical and effective agendas.

From the results achieved, the nation has and will continue to commit to participating actively and responsibly in disaster management activities in the ASEAN region, Deputy Minister Hiep continued.

He outlined his belief that with determination alongside scientific and methodical methods, as well as the support of international partners and friends, we will build a united, strong, and leading ASEAN community in the management of natural disasters globally.

Previously, at the 42nd annual ACDM meeting held in June in Da Nang, practical results were achieved in all aspects of the natural disaster prevention and control process, from assessment and monitoring, prevention, response, and natural disaster risk mitigation, to enhancement of disaster resilience.

Within the framework of the 43rd annual ACDM meeting from October 9 to October 11, an array of activities will be organised, such as the 11th AMMDM; the AMMDM Plus China, AMMDM Plus Japan, and AMMDM Plus RoK; the 43rd annual ACDM meeting; the ACDM Plus meetings with the three Northeast Asian countries; the 19th meeting of the AHA Centre’s Governing Board; and the fourth ASEAN Disaster Resilience Platform.

Moving forward, the ASEAN Day for Disaster Management on October 13 and the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2023 will be held at Bai Chay Primary and Secondary School in Ha Long city.